Manchester United striker Danny Welbeck insists he is committed to the England national team.
The 20-year-old forward, currently on loan at Sunderland, made his debut for the senior team in last week’s friendly with Ghana, but there had been suggestions he could still defect to play for the African nation, the homeland of his parents, because it was not a FIFA competitive game.
Welbeck was reported to be undecided on where his allegiance lies, but he insists he was mis-quoted and has moved to clear up any confusion.
He told United’s official website: “I got misquoted on one of the questions. My future looks like it's with England, definitely.
“I've been in Manchester all my life and I'm a Manc through and through.
“I've played for England at all the youth levels up to the U21s and it just felt like progression to graduate to the seniors and, the other day, it happened as well.”
Welbeck is expected to return to the U21 fold for this summer’s European Championship in Denmark, and he is looking forward to featuring in a strong-looking England squad.
The frontman added: “It's going to be invaluable experience for me going to these tournaments. I'm only going to learn and it benefits you for bigger tournaments further down the line.
“We've got a group of talented kids and a squad of 23 but there are players outside that 23 who won't get in who have got the ability to cause so much damage on the international stage.
“Whoever gets picked will give their all.”